Nishan Madushka, Kasun Rajitha, and Nisala Tharaka Dropped from previous England Tour
Top-order batsman Oshada Fernando is set to make his return to the Sri Lanka Test team after an 18-month hiatus. His inclusion comes at the expense of opening batsman Nishan Madushka, who has been omitted from the 16-man squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand taking place at home this month. Along with Madushka, fast-bowling all-rounder Nisala Tharaka and seamer Kasun Rajitha have also been left out after the recent tour of England.
Oshada's selection follows a stellar performance with the Sri Lanka A team currently touring South Africa, where the 32-year-old accumulated scores of 122 and 80, earning the Player-of-the-Match title in the first of two unofficial Tests in Kimberley. These impressive displays prompted the selectors to include him in the Test squad for the first time since March 2023.
Madushka’s exclusion is not surprising given his difficulties in England, where he recorded scores of 4, 0, 7, and 13 in the first two Tests before being dropped for the final match. His replacement at the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka, scored a match-winning century in that game, leaving no available position for the 25-year-old wicketkeeper.
Neither Tharaka nor Rajitha participated in any matches during the England tour. The pace bowlers who did—Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Milan Rathnayake—delivered strong performances, resulting in an abundance of seamers ahead of the spin-friendly conditions anticipated in Galle.
Despite his return, Oshada may find it challenging to secure a starting position in a batting lineup that remains largely stable. Key players such as Dimuth Karunaratne, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis are expected to keep their spots, with Ramesh Mendis likely filling the No. 8 position to strengthen both the batting and spin attack. Additionally, Sadeera Samarawickrama is also in contention.
The remaining three spots are designated for lead spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and two others—most likely either additional seamers or an extra spinner like Jeffrey Vandersay. This raises questions about where Oshada will fit unless one of the veteran players, such as Mathews or Karunaratne, steps aside.
Both Tests will be held in Galle, commencing on September 18.
Sri Lanka Test Squad Against New Zealand:
Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.